Teen Charged with Shooting at Helicopters Responding to Fatal Houston Air Unit Crash

A man was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer after he allegedly shot at two helicopters responding to the deadly crash of a Houston Police Department helicopter.

A man was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer after he allegedly shot at two helicopters responding to the deadly crash of a Houston Police Department helicopter.

According to KTRK-TV, the man—identified as 19-year-old Josue Daniel Claros-Trajedo—is accused of shooting at the helicopters that were providing support after the May 2 helicopter crash that claimed the life of Tactical Flight Officer Jason Knox and critically injured the pilot, Senior Officer Chase Cormier.

Investigators believe Claros-Trajedo fired at least five shots from two different locations at the HPD and DPS helicopters that were hovering above the crash site, as first responders frantically worked below to rescue the officers.

The helicopter that had crashed had been requested to search the area after police had received unconfirmed reports that bodies had been seen in a nearby bayou. The helicopter experienced an issue during the search and crashed into an apartment complex clubhouse.

Claros-Trajedo, a Honduran national, according to court records, was arrested soon after the crash and charged with tampering, discharging a firearm and unlawful carry.

The Houston Police Officer's Union said on Twitter late last week, "Great news! Just received word from Officer Chase Cormier that he will be transferred from Memorial Hermann to TIRR this afternoon, as he continues to push forward in his recovery from the helicopter accident."

The social media post concluded, "TIRR is the best rehab hospital in the world. Chase is in good hands."

Officer Knox had served with the Houston Police Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and his parents.

 

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